De Minaur, Ebden win Newcombe Medal; Draper, Murray win British tennis awards
This is the third time that De Minaur has won the Newcombe Medal and the first for Ebden
Alex de Minaur, Acapulco 2024 – © Abierto Mexicano de Tenis
Alex de Minaur, who won the UTS Grand Final in London on Sunday, and Matt Ebden were named as joint winners of the 2024 Newcombe Medal at the Australian Tennis Awards on Monday.
The Newcombe Medal, named after Aussie tennis legend John Newcombe, is the highest individual honour in Australia for tennis players and is awarded to the nation’s most outstanding elite player and ambassador for the sport every year. This was the third time that De Minaur has won the award and the first time for Ebden.
De Minaur enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024, reaching three consecutive Grand Slam quarter-finals and winning two ATP singles title to finish the season as world No 9. He also qualified for the season-ending ATP Finals, the first Australian to do so in singles in two decades.
Ebden won the Australian Open doubles title in January (with Rohan Bopanna) and became world No 1 soon after. He also won the Miami Masters title (with Bopanna) and the Olympics men’s doubles gold with countryman John Peers.
“I’m so proud and happy to win the Newcombe Medal award again, and want to say how much I appreciate it, and also being able to share it with Matt,” De Minaur said in a video message, that was aired at the awards ceremony. “It’s been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I’m just so happy to be part of it. I’d like to congratulate Matt, who’s done amazing things this year, and his team – the Olympic gold medal was a highlight, as well as all the other nominees tonight. I’d like to thank Tennis Australia, John Newcombe and everyone who has made this possible. Let’s all fight to have an even better year in 2025.”
Let’s all fight to have an even better year in 2025.
“Firstly congratulations to Alex. Him reaching the top 10 in singles is an incredible effort. I think thought Thommo deserved this award probably just like the others. I couldn’t be up here without my doubles partner, Peersy,” Ebden said while accepting the award. “My wife travelling with me with a baby for two years, travelling with me for 12 years, all my coaches, mentors, everyone who’s given me advice, Davis Cup captains, I wouldn’t be here without any of you. It seems like one for Australia. Like Alex said I think nearly every nominee deserved to win this award. I’m super humbled and proud to win this award so thank you. We have one more really big goal to achieve and win that Davis Cup for Australia again so we’ll push for that again next year.”
Draper named BJTA’s Player of the Year
Meanwhile, in Great Britain, Jack Draper was named British Tennis Journalists’ Association (BTJA)’s Player of the Year. The 22-year-old reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open this year and won titles in Stuttgart and Vienna.
Former world No 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, who retired from the sport in August, has been honoured with the BTJA’s Services to British Tennis award, which recognizes his contribution to the sport.
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